Agony of children in divorcing families

I REFER to the article “Torn between two parents” ( Sunday Star,

Aug 6). It’s a most timely and commendable effort to educate the populace as more marriages irretrievably break down due to the pressure of modern living and urbanisation. This is a worldwide phenomenon and Malaysia is no exception.

I totally agree that in any marital breakdown, the children’s physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual wellbeing is of utmost concern. To ameliorate, mitigate and possibly alleviate their devastation as a result of their parents’ falling out, the children must be given full attention by all parties involved and concerned.

I consider myself fortunate that when I took the step to divorce my wife, my only daughter was grown up and highly educated. But even then, I experienced alienation from her due to her mother’s sustained indoctrination via email. My daughter was then doing her master’s degree in Britain.

I suspected with good reason that my in-laws played no small part in trying their utmost to sever my relationship with my only child. I went into severe depression for three months and I am grateful that somehow I managed to snap out of it.

Without any reservation, my complete sympathy lies with anyone, whether mother or father, who is experiencing alienation from their children due to third-party influence, whether parent, relatives or people outside the family.

It is very painful to be at the receiving end of abuse, violence or even just plain silence and non-communication.

ARUN KUMAR CHAKRABARTTY Skudai, Johor